The organization set up various tents to illustrate exactly what awaits their clients when they come looking for help. Family services, art and music therapy and a game room are all on the site.

After years on the streets, Marie-Pier Caron has turned her life around and is heading back to her hometown in Northern Quebec to work. But not before manning one of the organization’s tents for the event.

“When I found them, I couldn’t believe that they existed. People actually listened to me, I felt like I had my family again,” said Caron.

It was the first year for the event. Sun Life Financial’s Quebec president, Robert Dumas, was one of 50 business leaders to sleep in the makeshift barracks.